New York

The home remodeling and renovation industry is at a five year high in New York according to the Remodeling Market Index. Many residents opt for renovations to update a longtime family home, or, buyers renovate a property to add value before they sell it on for profit. But for most New York residents, updating an existing home is more financially sound than selling a home for a loss due to the market prices.

The cost of a renovation project in New York can vary according to where a resident lives. Renovations to a New York City condo or co-op can cost more than a renovation to a large private residence in Rochester. One reason for the cost variation is that labor and insurance costs are specific to areas of the state. Contractors in New York City adjust their estimates according to parking situations, reputation of property management, and status of next door neighbors. Contractors also have costs associated with doing business in the state of New York. These they call "General Conditions" and can include extra insurances, licenses and certificates according to city or county.

In New York, a contractor is required to possess certain qualifications to do business legally. They are required to have a license to contract in New York, and, they should be insured and bonded. Some are required to guarantee their work, use safety procedures and provide clean up. The more difficult it is for a contractor to carry out a project, the more they will charge a customer.

New York City District Council of Carpenters

The NYCDCC represents over 25,000 union carpenters, millwrights, dock builders, core drillers, timber-men, cabinetmakers and floorcoverers. The organization was formed around a network of local unions to form eight local councils that represent the main district council. They are devoted to furthering workers rights through advocacy in the workplace for higher wages, healthcare, and education.

The NYCDCC was formed in 1881 by Peter J. McGuire, a cabinetmaker and labor rights activist. He dedicated his working years to bringing together carpenters to form local organizations for improved worker wages. Members believed that only through democracy could each carpenter have a right to dictate his or her own future. As members, they are expected to contribute to the welfare of the organization and rights of fellow carpenters such as lead rallies or become community activist.

Their Carpenters College Program was established by the NYCDCC at Empire State College SUNY so members can earn degrees in construction studies. The NYCDCC has an affiliation with the UBA to operate the training centers located in Rochester, Albany, Elma, Hauppauge, Rock Tavern, Horsehead, and New York City.
For local carpentry prices try this site.

New York State Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc.

The Nursery and Landscape Association is a professional trade organization for lawn and garden professionals. Their concern is how changing New York laws will impact the green industry. They also offer several awards and financial aid programs to stimulate research and education within the nursery and landscape industry.

Their awards include the George L. Good Gold Medal of Horticulture and the Environmental Beautification Award. Recipients of the George L. Good Award are inducted into the Gold Medal Hall of Fame for their contributions to New York's green industry. The Environmental Beautification Award was founded to inspire creative competition between members and further the quality of landscape craftsmanship. To win the award, the entrant must have an innovative design or construction technique. Entrants are judged by experts in the landscape construction industry on the quality of materials used, design, and completeness of installation.

The organization also awards regional scholarships and grants to landscape professionals, students, colleges and research facilities. Grants are awarded to further studies, projects, or equipment development to advance the horticulture industry. Scholarships are awarded for continued studies in the field of landscaping design.
Homeowners can use the NYSNLA's site to find a professional or you can get local price quotes for your job here.

National Electrical Contractors Association New York City Chapter

The New York City chapter of the NECA is its largest chapter and the largest contractor association in the United States. The organization was founded in 1892 by seventeen electrical contractors who wanted to advance their industry through advocacy, education, research, and higher standards of craftsmanship. Since then, the NECA has become the largest trade union of electricians in New York City with over 200 electrical contractors.

NECA membership is open to all contractors who maintain a high standard of performance and safety. Once a member, contractors have a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3 and the Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry.

All NECA members are eligible to participate in New York City's major commercial and residential electrical projects. Its members have participated in high rise installations, transit systems, water treatment plants, hospitals and power plants throughout the boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester/ Fairfield.

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